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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic) |
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The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF, Memorial Bridge
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By J. J. Prats, June 23, 2009 | |
| | | 1. The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge Marker | | |
Inscription. Named in honor of local American hero, “Spanky” Roberts (1918–84), graduate of Dunbar H.S. & WV State College, 1st African-American aviation cadet, Tuskegee, 1941. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant & pilot in 1942; flew over 100 missions in Africa, Europe & Middle East, commanded 99th Fighter Squadron, and 332nd Fighter Group in WWII. Decorated for meritorious service in WWII, Korea, & 25 year career.
Erected 1999 by West Virginia Archives and History.
Location. 39° 28.952′ N, 80° 8.766′ W. Marker is in Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County. Marker is at the intersection of Fairmont Avenue (U.S. 250) and 1st Street, on the right when traveling north on Fairmont Avenue. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fairmont WV 26554, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. David Morgan (1721–1813) / Patriot, Defender (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boaz Fleming (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marion County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); A. Brooks Fleming House (approx. 0.2 miles away); High-Level / Million Dollar Robert H. Mollohan Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Fairmont (approx. ¼ mile away); Attack on Fairmont (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Fairmont.| | | | 
By J. J. Prats, June 23, 2009 | |
| | | 2. The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF, Memorial Bridge and Marker | | |
Regarding The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF, Memorial Bridge. Please note, while the marker indicates Colonel Roberts' career had a 25 year career, he was in service for 27 years. Colonel Roberts became the first African American cadet accepted for Army Air Corps pilot training in 1941, and retired with the rank of Colonel in February 1968.
Also see . . . . 1993 article by Jerry A Davis in Alabama Heritage with photograph of Colonel Roberts (page 40). “The Tuskegee airmen, however, had every reason to
celebrate. They had proven to American society that no
discrepancy existed between the effectiveness of properly
trained black and white soldiers. Perhaps their success
in action during World War II helped change attitudes
towards integration in the American military; certainly
their success brought about a strong sense of pride
among those who served. Two years after the last
Tuskegee airman graduated, President Truman ordered
the desegregation of the armed forces, and the Defense
Department announced the end of mandated segregation
in the U.S. military. Wherever they were, the
Tuskegee airmen must have cheered.” (Submitted on August 1, 2009.)
Additional keywords. Tuskegee Airmen |
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By U.S. Air Force | |
| | | 3. Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on August 1, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,238 times since then. Last updated on February 25, 2011, by Lanelle Roberts Brent of Sacramento, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 21, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
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